Sciatica

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that develops from compression or irritation of your sciatic nerve. Your sciatic nerve is the thickest nerve in your body and runs from your lumbar spine, through your buttocks and hips, and into your lower leg on both sides of your body.

Sciatica is very common. You may develop a pinched nerve if you have a herniated disc or a bone spur in your lumbar spine that irritates or compresses the nerve. 

What are sciatica symptoms?

Pain that radiates from your lower back through your buttocks and into your leg on one side of your body is the most common symptom of sciatica. The severity of the pain may range from a dull ache to electric shock-like sensations.

Your sciatica may also cause tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in the affected leg.

In severe cases, sciatica may also cause loss of bowel or bladder control.

Though sciatica is common and may resolve on its own with at-home care, if your pain is severe, ongoing, or affecting your daily life, the team at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery can help. 

How is sciatica diagnosed?

Your physician at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery conducts a thorough evaluation when you come to the office with symptoms of sciatica. 

During your exam, they review your symptoms and perform a physical exam. During the physical, your provider tests your muscles and reflexes and has you do various exercises known to trigger sciatica symptoms to help formulate a diagnosis.

Your provider also runs diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan to determine the underlying cause of your sciatica. 

How is sciatica treated?

The team develops a personalized treatment plan for your sciatica based on the severity of symptoms, underlying cause, and your overall health and wellness.

Though they’re surgical experts, the physicians at Apex Spine and Neurosurgery may recommend conservative treatments to help you get relief from your sciatica pain.

Conservative therapies may include:

• Activity modification
• Heat and ice
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Muscle relaxers
• Spine injections
• Physical therapy

If your sciatica is chronic and fails to improve with conservative treatments, the team may recommend surgery to alleviate the pinched nerve and your symptoms. 

Surgical treatment for sciatica may include:

• Spinal fusion
• Disc replacement
• Laminectomy
• Microdiscectomy

The skilled neurosurgeons utilize the most advanced tools and techniques, including anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) minimally invasive spine surgery, to ensure you get the best outcomes.

For relief from your sciatica, call Apex Spine and Neurosurgery, or book an appointment online today.